More Cruisers Are Saying No to Royal Caribbean’s Drink Packages – Here’s What They’re Doing Instead

Cruising has always been about relaxing, enjoying good food, and sipping on your favourite drinks. As someone who loves cruising – especially with Royal Caribbean, one of my absolute favourite cruise lines – I’ve always appreciated the amazing experiences they offer.

But lately, even I’ve found myself questioning the value of their drink packages. With prices soaring, it’s hard not to wonder if they’re still worth it.

More and more passengers are ditching the drink packages and looking for better ways to enjoy their time onboard without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll explore why cruisers are saying no to drink packages and share the smart alternatives they’re choosing instead.

The High Cost of Drink Packages

Drink packages might seem like a good idea at first—unlimited cocktails, wine, beer, and more for one set price. But when you crunch the numbers, it becomes clear why they can feel like a rip-off. 

Prices often hover around $85 per person per day, meaning that to make it worthwhile, you’d need to drink the equivalent of seven or eight $12 cocktails daily just to break even.

For a couple on a week-long cruise, those daily costs add up fast—easily soaring past $1,400 once gratuities are included. It’s no wonder that travellers are starting to question whether they’re truly getting their money’s worth and why many are exploring other, more flexible ways to enjoy drinks onboard.

As you might expect, these rising costs haven’t gone unnoticed. The rising cost of drink packages has sparked strong opinions among cruisers. Many feel the prices have gotten out of hand, with one passenger commenting, “Royal prices are all getting out of control!” 

Others highlight the impracticality of packages for light drinkers or those who prefer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. “They need a package with fewer drinks per day that works on port days too,” suggested another.

Many cruisers find it hard to justify this expense, especially if they don’t drink much or plan to spend days exploring ports. As one passenger put it, “When the drink package is more expensive than the cruise, it’s robbery!” With costs climbing higher each year, it’s easy to see why more people are choosing to skip the drink package altogether.

Related Reading: Insider’s Guide to Royal Caribbean Drink Prices

Why More Cruisers Are Saying No

For many passengers, drink packages simply don’t add up. Light or moderate drinkers often find they’re paying for far more than they actually consume. If you’re not knocking back 10+ drinks a day, it’s hard to break even on the cost. One cruiser shared, “We decided to go with ‘pay as you go,’ and it was much cheaper than the package.”

Another big reason is flexibility. With drink packages, you’re locked into an upfront cost, whether you use it or not. On port days, when you’re off the ship for most of the day, it can feel like wasted money. As another frustrated passenger put it, “You’re paying for drinks you don’t even get to enjoy!” For many, skipping the package means saving money and keeping their options open.

What Are Cruisers Doing Instead?

With drink packages off the table, savvy cruisers are finding smarter ways to enjoy their beverages without overspending. Here are some of the most popular strategies:

Pay-As-You-Go

Instead of paying a hefty upfront cost, many passengers stick to buying individual drinks. This works especially well for those who only want a few drinks a day. As one cruiser said, “We decided to go with ‘pay as you go,’ and it was much cheaper.” This option also lets you take advantage of drink specials or skip drinks entirely on port days.

Bringing Their Own Beverages

Some cruisers bring allowed drinks onboard, such as water, soft drinks, or even wine. Royal Caribbean lets each adult bring one bottle of wine and up to 12 non-alcoholic beverages. One passenger commented, “We drink the free tea and lemonade. It works for us!” Adding flavoured drink mixes to onboard water is another clever trick.

Related Reading: Enjoy These Free Drinks While Sailing with Royal Caribbean

Using Loyalty Benefits

Frequent cruisers often earn free daily drinks through loyalty programmes like Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society. Diamond-level members, for instance, get four free drink vouchers per day, which can add up to big savings. While this perk isn’t available to first-time cruisers, it’s a fantastic option for seasoned travellers.

Hunting for Deals Onboard

Some venues offer better value for money. One cruiser shared, “Playmakers sells pitchers of beer for $20, which is way cheaper than buying by the pint.” Others wait to see if their sailing offers a drink card, which allows for discounted drinks without committing to a full package.

These strategies prove that you can still enjoy your drinks without feeling tied down by a pricey package.

Related Reading: Cruisers Are Dodging the Royal Caribbean Drinks Package – Here’s What They Do

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Deciding whether to invest in a drink package or explore other options can be tricky. To make the decision easier, here’s a quick look at the upsides and downsides of both approaches:

If You Choose the Drink Package
Pros:

• All-Inclusive Convenience: One upfront cost covers most beverages, so you never have to worry about individual drink prices.
• No Budget Tracking: Forget mentally tallying every cocktail—it’s already covered.
• Ideal if you drink every day: If you enjoy multiple drinks daily, you might come out ahead.

Cons:

• High Daily Cost: To break even, you’ll need to drink enough each day—often far more than most people comfortably do.
• Less Value on Port Days: When you’re off the ship exploring, you’re still paying for drinks you’re not consuming.
• Limited Flexibility: Your needs might change mid-cruise, but the package cost stays the same.

Sidenote: If you are going to buy a drinks package, it’s worth considering the best time to buy. Read this article for more information: Money Saving Tips for Snagging the Best Deal on a Royal Caribbean Drink Package.

If You Go Without a Package
Pros:

• Pay-As-You-Go Savings: Spend money only on the drinks you actually want. Perfect for lighter drinkers.
• Bring Your Own (Within Limits): Save on costs by bringing your own allowed beverages, whether that’s a bottle of wine or some soft drinks.
• Loyalty Perks: Frequent cruisers can score free daily drinks through loyalty programmes, often eliminating the need for a package.
• Onboard Deals: Keep an eye out for daily specials, discounted pitchers, or drink cards to get more bang for your buck.

Cons:

• More Effort Required: You’ll need to pay attention to drink prices and possibly scout out the best deals.
• No ‘Unlimited’ Mindset: Ordering freely without cost considerations won’t be an option.

By weighing these pros and cons, you can determine whether a drink package truly suits your budget and preferences—or if it’s time to try a more flexible approach.

Final Thoughts

Cruising should be about relaxing and enjoying yourself, not stressing over drink costs. While drink packages might work for some, many passengers find better value by exploring other options. Whether it’s paying as you go, bringing your own beverages, or taking advantage of loyalty perks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your drinks without draining your wallet.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your drinking habits and budget. If you’re planning a cruise, take some time to weigh the options and find what works best for you.